Pollinator Conservation

Pollinators are essential to our environment. The ecological service they provide is necessary for the reproduction of over 85% of the world’s flowering plants, including more than two-thirds of the world’s crop species. The United States alone grows more than 100 crops that either need or benefit from pollinators, and the economic value of these native pollinators is estimated at $3 billion per year in the U.S. Beyond agriculture, pollinators are keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems. Fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25% of all birds, and of mammals ranging from red-backed voles to grizzly bears. In many places, the essential service of pollination is at risk from habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced diseases.

To learn more about the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Conservation Program, please click here to download a summary of our work. For even more information, please see our 2014 Pollinator Program Report.

Take Action

Sign the pledge and take action to help protect pollinators and their essential habitats! Bring Back the Pollinators is based on four simple principles that can be implemented in any landscape. Learn more.

Upcoming Events

Open to all professionals and property owners with an interest in sustainable design and land management, the Land Ethics Symposium features relevant and thought-provoking presentations by regional and national experts. Kelly Gill of the Xerces Society will be presenting on the topic of planting for native beneficial insects and pollinators.

Beneficial insects provide essential ecosystem services. Yet, despite the value of these services, a growing body of evidence suggests native bees and other beneficial insect populations are in decline due to habitat loss and widespread pesticide use. Join Kelly Gill of the Xerces Society to learn how we all can make an important contribution to reverse these declines and help these garden allies.

Our abundant harvests and varied landscapes depend on bees and many other pollinators. Join Nancy Adamson to learn about our diverse native bees, their habitat needs, and native plants you can grow to support them.